Six Classic Buildings in Taipei

In recent years, Taipei 101 has become an icon of Taipei's architectural achievement. But aside from the skyscraper, the city is rich in architecture landscape — with symbolic monuments from each historical era and classic building left behind from waves of colonization.

The Dutch and Spanish imperialists left behind churches and forts; the Chinese migrants and regime introduced Chinese-style buildings influenced by Minman architecture and western modernization; the Japanese built government buildings and houses — all leaving behind their colonial legacy frozen in time.

The current Presidential Office was built during the Japanese colonial era, completed in 1919, and originally served as the Office of the Governor-General of Taiwan. The building continues to be the center of civic engagement and the prime location for people to voice their appeals.

Modernization of buildings can also be seen in the more traditional architectures, such as temples. The Nung Chan Monastery designed by Taiwanese architect Yao Ren-Xi parts from traditional temple designs and is made of exposed concrete.

“Good Eye Taipei,” a new bilingual Taipei city guide, shares six classic building around Taipei to visit.